If the last name doesn’t sound familiar to you, it should if you have been following the talent around the region over the last few years. You should remember or know Trey and Bryce McGowens, both of which are playing at Nebraska now. But now, meet their sister in 2024 Raina McGowens who is playing at Wren high school.
The sophomore prospect is helping lead the Hurricanes this season, as she is averaging 14.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.5 steals per game as her team sit at 15-5 on the season. Phenom Hoops was able to get in touch with the rising star, as we learn more about her game and the latest in her recruitment.
Phenom: How has everything been going this season for you and your team'
McGowens: Currently undefeated in the region. The team and I are continuing to improve.
Phenom: The team has been playing well. What have you seen with this year’s team at Wren' Where do you all excel and just how good do you think you all can be by the end of the year'
McGowens: Growth in individual players, especially in role players. Continuing to build chemistry. We excel by playing inside-out, and our defense leads to offense. Our goal is to win region with hopes of getting as far in the playoffs as possible.
Phenom: You have stepped up for your team. What has it been like being one of the leaders for your team as a sophomore'
McGowens: I believe that my energy, confidence, and my ability to make my teammates better have impacted the growth of the team.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game'
McGowens: A player who sees the floor well, has a high basketball IQ, is a three-level scorer, and is a defensive-minded player.
Phenom: Have to ask. What was it like growing up with your brothers and playing against them'
McGowens: It was a lot of fun. They are very competitive but I learned a lot from them.
Phenom: What have you been able to take away from them and their experiences so far'
McGowens: That you have got to stay hungry, work on your craft, and keep getting better.
Phenom: What is your excitement about playing with Team Curry this summer'
McGowens: I am very excited to be joining a travel team with a reputation as Team Curry has. I’m looking forward to working hard and getting better.
Phenom: How has everything been going with your recruitment' Have picked up a few offers. What have they been saying your way and about your game'
McGowens: It has been going well. I have offers from Presbyterian and Appalachian State and I’m getting interest from schools like NC State, Asheville, and others. They like how I can play both guard spots as a combo and use my athleticism to slash to the paint and use my length and instincts on defense.
Phenom: Anything stand out or that you know about with those two schools that have offered'
McGowens: Presbyterian has Maleia Bracone, who is from our area and she is doing really well there. The coaches are down-to-earth and focused on their players on and off the court. App State is very similar to Presbyterian in that they are really big on building a positive culture and growth on and off the court.
Phenom: What have those other schools been saying' (NC State, UNCA, USC-Upstate, others)
McGowens: They like how I can play both guard spots as a combo and use my athleticism to slash to get in the paint and use my length and instincts on defense. They like my basketball IQ.
Phenom: Have any visits been set up'
McGowens: Presbyterian today (January 29), NC State and Appalachian State in February. I took a visit to UNC-Asheville a week ago.